North Quays transformation continues as Waterford’s new Sustainable Transport Bridge ready for installation
Waterford’s North Quays transformation is continuing as the new Sustainable Transport Bridge is now ready for installation. The bridge, a centrepiece of the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project, will provide a connection between Waterford’s city centre and the new North Quays development.
Earlier this week the huge Hebo 9 floating crane arrived off the coast of Dunmore East and has now docked at Frank Cassin Wharf. Next the GPS Avenger arrived on the River Suir, towing the first set of spans for Waterford’s new Sustainable Transport Bridge. The Cypriot-flagged tug, purpose-built for long-distance marine towage, navigated the estuary in spectacular weather, with its cargo destined to transform Waterford’s North Quays. The bridge spans are now positioned at Frank Cassin Wharf where the HEBO 9 floating crane awaits the lifting and installation phase.
With the arrival of the impressive Hebo 9 floating sheerleg crane and the four spans of the Sustainable Transport Bridge, it is anticipated that once the sheerleg and barges are derigged and mobilised the lifting and installation of the bridge sections will proceed on Wednesday, May 21st. The installation operations on the river are being coordinated with Port of Waterford and are dictated by tides and therefore are subject to change.
The Hebo 9 sheerleg crane will lift each bridge section from its barge at Frank Cassin Wharf and transport it upstream to its installation position at the bridge. This process will be coordinated with the tidal cycle on the river.
Temporary support frames that have been constructed in the river will initially support the sections pending their final integration into the permanent supporting piers. Safety is of paramount importance and the lifting operation has very precise safety protocols requiring very slow and methodical progress with constant checks and monitoring during the operation.
The four lifts will be carried out over four days:
- Wednesday, May 21st – North Main Span (c.65m in length)
- Thursday, May 22nd – South Main Span (c.65m in length)
- Friday, May 23rd – North Approach span (c. 35m in length)
- Saturday, May 24th – South Approach span (c.35m in length)
Bascule Bridge:
Like Rice Bridge upstream, the sustainable transport bridge has an opening central span to allow river vessels to pass through, smaller boats can pass underneath the bridge, subject to tides. The inclusion of this opening central span retains potential for future upstream river transport as well as opportunities for maritime events and festivals, including a possible return of the Tall Ships Festival.
These types of vertical opening bridges are called ‘Bascule Bridges’ from the French term for a balance scale and originated in medieval Europe as drawbridges to defend castles and towns. Whereas Rice Bridge is a ‘single leaf’ bascule bridge, which opens from one side of the central span, the new bridge is a ‘double leaf’ bascule bridge, which opens from both sides of the central span.
Once the bridge is installed, the bascule leaves for the opening central span will be tested and put into operation, The bridge finishing works, which includes the final surfacing, lighting, street furniture, and parapet railings, will commence as well as the installation of the downstream bridge pier protection system.
The fast-tracking of integration works as part of construction of the SDZ by Harcourt Developments will facilitate the opening of the bridge to the public in Q4 2026.
About the Bridge Superstructure:
The bridge superstructure weighs over 1,000 tonnes, roughly the equivalent of the weight of three Boeing 747 jets laden with fuel on take-off.
The bridge is being transported and installed in four sections.
The heaviest section is over 500 tonnes, roughly equivalent to the weight of one Boeing 747.
The bridge sections will be lifted into position by the HEBO 9 floating sheerleg crane from Rotterdam. This crane has a lifting capacity of 800 tonnes and a lifting height of 67m, which is similar to a 20-storey building.
At 207m, the bridge will be one of the longest city centre pedestrian river crossings in Ireland. The Sean O’ Casey Bridge in Dublin, which also has a central opening span is 98m long. The new Athlone greenway bridge that crosses the Shannon is 104m long.
The steel deck is painted with a light grey matt finish.
